Vacation in Austrian Alps

Before going to the Austrian Alps

The Alpine regions are known for their friendly and welcoming atmosphere, high safety ratings, well developed infrastructure and excellent service standards. Traveling to Alpine countries requires only a minimum of preparation, unless, of course, you plan multi-day hiking tours. Here are some useful tips to help you with your plans:

• Passport/Visas
  Holders of a valid US or Canadian passport do not require a Visa to stay in either of the five countries for up to 90 days. For more information, please call the nearest consulate of the respective country. The same goes for information on travel with pets.
• Time difference
  Central Europe is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
  Daylight Savings Time is in effect from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
• Electricity
  The voltage used in all five countries is 220V, with 50-cycle alternating current, compared to 110V, 60-cycle AC in the U.S.
• Money matters
  The Euro is the official currency in Austria, Germany and Italy. Swiss Francs are used in Switzerland. All major credit cards are widely accepted. We suggest to use cash for purchases in smaller shops, cafes, grocery stores and for taxis and public transportation. ATM machines can be found throughout the Alpine region.
• Shopping Hours
  Be aware that opening hours are not as liberal as in the United States. In general, shops are closed on Sundays, and during the week, shopping hours vary from country to country, but usually do not last past 8 p.m.
• Telephone
  There are two different kinds of public phones in use, one operated with coins, the other with phone cards, available at post offices, or newsstands. Making international calls from hotels can be very pricey, ask for alternatives such as international calling cards at local newsstands or post offices. The best times to call are usually during the weekend and late in the evening, when the tariffs are a little lower.

How To Get There

Flights to Europe and the Alps

There are nonstop transatlantic flights available from several gateways in the U.S. to various destinations in the Alps. The most important airports in the heart of the Alps are Zurich, Munich, Vienna and Milan.

The official carrier serving destinations in the Alps is SWISS, whose base is in Zurich. Convenient connecting flights, a highly efficient public transportation system and well maintained roads facilitate travel to your final destination.

Zurich Airport. Your Gateway to the Alps.

Flying into and out of Zurich Airport is both easy and a pleasure. Known worldwide for safety and security, Zurich Airport also boasts a town-like atmosphere filled with streets and squares featuring a wide variety of shops, cartes and restaurants. Landing here is a great way to start your Alpine experience.

Getting Around

One of the most pleasant, relaxing and convenient ways to experience the Alps is to take the train. You can lean back and watch the beautiful landscape go by while enjoying a cup of coffee in the restaurant car or talking to other travelers about their experiences. A Railpass or Eurailpass offers the best value for train rides within or between all of the five countries.

Another great way to travel is to rent a car, which allows you to discover magnificent scenery off the beaten track and gives you the freedom to explore the Alps without adhering to schedules and timetables. Rental agencies can be found at every airport and in major cities. Before you make your car rental arrangements we suggest to check out driving regulations of the specific countries. Be sure to know toll regulations and speed limits. Driving regulations are similar to those in the US, except for some important considerations: All countries have laws that make seatbelts mandatory for all passengers, prohibit right turns on red and passing on the right on expressways and highways. The use of cell phones behind the wheel is prohibited unless you can call hands free. US and Canadian driving licenses are valid but, except for Switzerland, the license must be accompanied by a translation or an international license.

For Austria, Speed Limits are clearly marked and do not exceed 130 km/hr on major highways. It is mandatory to carry a high visibility vest in your vehicle at all times and to wear it should you have to have to get out of the car on a highway. Vehicles have to carry a toll sticker, the so-called Vignette, on Austria's highways and expressways (also city motorways). The vignette is available at automobile clubs (e.g. ÖAMTC, ARBÖ), in post offices and tobacco shops as well as at some gas stations.

Climate and Weather

European countries measure temperature in Centigrade rather than Fahrenheit.

In general temperatures depend on the season, on the altitude and the geographical region you are staying in. In winter, it is usually cold around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, getting warmer to the south. In summer temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and more especially in the southern regions. Transitions between winter and summer are often a bit unpredictable and it is advisable to pack several layers of clothing.

Be aware that the weather often changes quickly, especially in high alpine regions.